Role of Antioxidants and Polyphenols in Thrombosis and Haemostatic Function

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Abstract

The metabolic system is one of the most fundamental requirements for precise physiological functioning and survival. The dysfunction of this system can lead to a variety of chronic metabolic disorders such as cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes (T2DM). According to the National Heart Foundation of Australia, CVD and stroke is the leading cause of death in Australia, with 45,622 deaths in 2011. Oxidative stress plays a central role in the pathogenesis of a wide range of cardiovascular related diseases, including thrombosis, T2DM, hyper-cholesterolaemia and atherosclerosis. Extensive research during the last 25 years has demonstrated that free radicals, particularly, reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species play a cardinal role in the damage caused by oxidative stress. There is increased oxidative stress due to pathological conditions such as T2DM and lifestyle related disorders such as obesity, which impairs muscle glucose uptake, by damaging the blood vessel walls, by oxidising lipids and in turn activating platelets resulting in thrombosis and other cardiac complications.